Tue 31 December 2019 - 9 miles - LONDON'S HIDDEN RIVERS; FOLLOW THE RIVER EFFRA FROM CRYSTAL PALACE TO VAUXHALL - Leader: Caroline & Anthony S

Walk through parks, a cemetery and along pavements following the route of the hidden river via West Norwood, Dulwich, Herne Hill, Brixton, Stockwell, and Vauxhall Lunch: In Brixton pubs/cafes/picnic

1. Leader Caroline briefs us on the story of the River Effra - Thames tributary to sewer.

2. We’re off –a lot of people(57) looking forward to a good walk after Christmas jollity;

3. No sign of the river – but at least a mention in a local tavern…

4. But the Effra does re-emerge from time to time from its banishment underground.. This is the Half Moon pub now restored after disastrous flooding in April 2004 when heavy rain swelled the Effra.

5. Brixton market mural of local man Michael Johns by Dreph

6. Ready for the afternoon: group congregate near Lambeth Town Hall after lunch break in Brixton;

7. A cultural detour to view house where Van Gogh stayed when he was here;

8. We are nearly at Vauxhall. We are in Bonnington Square, saved by local people from the developers.

1) In tow - group of 58 at Crystal Palace

(2) Herne Hill

(3) Regrouping after lunch - Brixton.

(4) Welcome to Vauxhall Grove

(5) Vauxhall Grove

(6) Vauxhall Grove delight

Photos: Ruth, Robert